45 degrees Centigrade on Xmas Day and 30th Dec! Was so humid one could almost shower in your own sweat – nice thought I know! I’m sure you had a great Xmas and New Years Eve party; we certainly did – thanks Billy for the 0300 hrs finish on New Years night/Morning reminiscing and banging the world to rights. It’s fine; I know Billy of old (best Man at his wedding!). We had an all American cast on Xmas night; I think that is a first. Thank-You USA! Also a number of Family Groups coming over the festive time; from Mexico, Canada, Germany, Ireland. Really great fun!! So typical of the hospitality scene when the electrics stuff up in one Suite at Little Garonga on Xmas Eve; can you get an electrician? Can you heck! Some bridging was done to get some lights, but not Hot Water! The Lekkie (Electrician) does come out on the 27th December; so apologies to our 2 Guests who were upset by this situation, but unfortunately “Murphy” is always around, and as much as we try, there is only so much that can be done.

Fiscal Cliff – none of them are even trying up there on Capitol Hill! Egos so high as the Empire State Building. What a pleasant start to 2013. Thanks BO and those other ……………..Politicos. What on earth is happening out there in the US; School kids massacred by a complete Geek; then 2 firemen deliberately murdered by a Physcopath; then the whole debate of who is right or wrong; it does seem very odd that you can buy a weapon without little or no references, licenses or anything, yet to drive a car you have to have this, that and the other. Doesn’t make sense to me. The Israelis have the best system, and it is well regulated, and makes a lot of sense. However no excuse for Piers Morgan (brit Anchorman on CNN) to lose his cool and be so one-sided; I always thought a news Anchorman or Presenter should remain Impartial; not this odious Guy! He insults his Guests if they don’t listen to poor old Pier’s point of view! I saw one debate where he completely lost it. Now the Gun Lobby want him deported – good idea, not that I agree with their views.

"Thank-You Eion!"

Cameron and his “Notting Hill Set” think it more important to think about “Gay Marriage” etc, when the Country is in the worst mess for years. I thought it was the Church that decided on those sorts of things, not meddling Politicians? The Police incident with the MP at Downing Street seems to continue with new evidence etc coming to light. There can’t be a very pleasant feeling in Downing Street amongst the Police and these Notting Hill Kids, and I dare say there must have been a lot of ill-feeling going on well before this incident to kick off.

The sorry Saga of the Nurse committing suicide after an Aussie Radio Prank went so terribly wrong. Here in South Africa Zuma is re-elected at the ANC annual Conference ……just, but only after Ramaphosa is elected Vice-President; that’s a good move, so maybe next year in 2014 no more Zuma, and a New refreshing start with Ramaphosa?

A milestone in English Cricket with India being defeated in India; first time for centons! Excellent cricket Captain – Alistair Cook! Harry Rednap puts the top football players fraternity truly in their place by saying something we all think anyway; it’s the Team, NOT the Individual and much more.

"They keep us entertained - the warties!"

Down here in the not so Sunny Garonga we have had more good rains. What has been lacking is the Sun. The bush is lush and green, and we have had the Ellie Bulls frequently at the Camp waterhole always appearing almost on Q at Lunchtimes, or when Guests are checking in. It’s the Duracell batteries you see – Duracell lasts longer… apparently. Great sightings of Cheetah, and the Rhinos. The Lions are sometimes playing hard to get disappearing in to the Pidwa Block where the Guides cannot off-road. Beautiful Leopard sighting; one attached to this letter from Eion; thanks indeed Eion! Occasional walks still happening for those who want to exercise the Limbs. Sleep Outs have been a disappointment because of the Rains, but Guests are still plucky enough to try, even on Xmas day/night.

Many congratulations to Michael and Sandra, Andrew and Karen, and Holger and Rosalind for tying the knot here at Garonga!! It was a real pleasure hosting you on your very special day!

To the Chefs who work tirelessly in the Kitchen heat! I think it’s bad enough sometimes outside but then adding the Kitchen Heat, that’s quite something to be working in. A recipe will be attached as per normal. I was glued to Jamie Oliver’s Xmas cooking programme for tips etc; he had many, and they seemed to benefit.

"Invasion Force Alpha!" "Josias Bar is now open"

2013 is looking promising, although January is pretty quiet; those of you who fancy a quickie, come over. We close 01 – 24 March 13 this year, so NOT the whole month, and Easter is much sooner this year anyway. We will be operating the Steenberg/Garonga Package again from March – September; it’s a great package; give it a crack, and then throughout the year a package with the fantastic Cybele Forest Lodge and Spa near Hazyview.

Last but by no means least, and how could I forget (It is definitely the Grey Cells), thanks Sue (Ethos Marketing UK) for stomping the streets through, wind, rain hail and ice, and a bit of sunshine thrown in selling Garonga to a very hard competitive Market. Your efforts and pains, and smiles reward us all so well!!